Yet another candidate waded into the presidential fray Friday: the Iowa State Fair butter cow.

The candidacy is the brainchild of Jack Mathews of Des Moines and Web designer Michael Reid of Grinnell. They started a website – buttercow2012.com – and they’re selling T-shirts.The 2011 rendition of the Iowa State Fair butter cow. (Rodney White/The Register)

“It’s just a lighthearted tak on politics,” Mathews, 75, said. “Nobody seems to know who to support in the election, but butter cow has wide support in the public.”

Butter cow, celebrating 100 years at the fair this year, is sure to be a hit with senior citizens and is an obvious proponent of Iowa agriculture.

Some political analysts worry the notoriously rigid butter cow is too stiff and tight-lipped for the modern 24-hour media cycle.

Butter cow may draw criticism for being soft on the issues, especially outside a refrigerated environment.

The dairy confection may also have trouble attracting lactose intolerant and vegan voters.

These perceived drawbacks, however, have not hurt butter cow’s popularity on the buttercow2012.com website, where she leads all comers — including President Barack Obama — with nearly 69 percent of the vote.

“Butter cow is not concerned because she has no issues or platform,” Mathews said. “She is completely neutral and has no position.”

Actually, she has one position, which is standing. She doesn’t lean either direction, otherwise she would fall over.

Mathews is realistic about butter cow’s chances.

“The campaign is probably going to last about two weeks,” he said. “But it could go into 2012 if the interest is there.”

Because of previous commitments at the Iowa State Fair, butter cow will not be at the Ames straw poll Saturday. The candidate was disappointed as the straw sounded delicious.

" I'm not sure whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."Mark Twain